When we think about planting design, our minds often jump to the showstoppers—majestic trees, sculptural shrubs, and vibrant seasonal flowers. But an essential, often overlooked category of plants plays a critical role in creating well-balanced, resilient landscapes: groundcovers. These low-growing plants, which include perennials and low shrubs, provide functional and aesthetic benefits that elevate a landscape from a collection of plants to a cohesive, well-designed space.
Let’s take a closer look at why groundcovers deserve more attention, how to incorporate them into planting design, and which varieties work best in different regions of the U.S.
Why Groundcovers Matter in Landscape Design
Groundcovers offer multiple benefits, making them indispensable in both residential and commercial landscapes:
Erosion Control – A well-established groundcover acts as a living mulch, stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion caused by wind and water runoff.
Weed Suppression – By forming dense mats, groundcovers reduce weed competition, minimizing the need for chemical herbicides or frequent weeding.
Soil Health – Many groundcovers improve soil quality by retaining moisture, reducing compaction, and adding organic matter over time.
Aesthetic Cohesion – They create visual continuity between larger plantings, softening transitions between hardscapes and garden beds.
Low Maintenance – Once established, many groundcovers require little maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for covering large areas.
Wildlife Support – Many varieties provide nectar, pollen, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
Incorporating Groundcovers Into Planting Design
Using groundcovers effectively requires an understanding of their growth habits, sun and soil preferences, and how they interact with other plants. Here’s how to maximize their impact in your designs:
1. Layering for a Natural Look
Groundcovers should be thought of as the “base layer” in a planting scheme. In nature, the forest floor is covered with a dense carpet of low-growing plants, which provide habitat and help regulate soil moisture. By mimicking this layering effect in designed landscapes, you create a more natural, visually rich composition.
For example, under a grove of trees, a mix of shade-loving groundcovers like wild ginger (Asarum canadense) and foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) can add texture and seasonal interest while suppressing weeds.
2. Defining Spaces and Softening Hardscapes
Groundcovers provide an excellent way to define pathways, garden edges, and seating areas. Plants like creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) can be tucked between stepping stones for a soft, fragrant alternative to gravel or mulch. Similarly, low growing perennials like dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’) can frame a walkway while maintaining a tidy appearance.
3. Managing Slopes and Problem Areas
For difficult-to-maintain slopes, erosion-prone areas, or underutilized corners of a site, groundcovers offer an ideal solution. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a great option for sandy, well-drained soils, while pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) thrives in shaded, moisture-retaining areas.
4. Seasonal Interest and Pollinator Benefits
Choosing a mix of evergreen and flowering groundcovers ensures year-round interest while supporting pollinators. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), with its deep purple foliage and blue flowers, adds color in spring, while sedums (Sedum spp.) attract bees and butterflies with late-summer blooms.
Best Groundcovers for Different Regions of the U.S.
The best groundcovers vary depending on climate, soil type, and moisture availability. Here are a few top choices for different regions:
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) – A native alternative to the more common Japanese pachysandra, this shade-loving perennial is great for woodland gardens.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) – A tough, attractive groundcover with heart-shaped leaves that thrives in shady, moist conditions.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – A sun-loving, spring-blooming groundcover ideal for rock gardens and borders.
Southeast
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) – A fast-spreading evergreen groundcover that thrives in sun or shade, perfect for southern landscapes.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’) – A low-growing, clumping grass that’s excellent for edging and filling gaps between pavers.
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – A native, heat-tolerant groundcover that provides nectar for butterflies and thrives in sun or partial shade.
Midwest
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) – A hardy, drought-tolerant native groundcover with unique pink seed heads that add visual interest.
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – A low-maintenance, fine-textured sedge that thrives in shade and acts as a turf alternative.
Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea) – A moisture-loving native groundcover with bright yellow flowers in spring.
Southwest
Dalea (Dalea greggii) – A drought-tolerant native groundcover with silvery foliage and purple blooms.
Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) – A sun-loving, heat-resistant groundcover that produces flowers nearly year-round.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) – A fragrant, low-growing evergreen that thrives in arid conditions.
West Coast
Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) – A native, drought-tolerant groundcover that forms a dense mat and produces small edible fruit.
Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’ – A fast-growing, evergreen groundcover with blue flowers that thrives in coastal conditions.
Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) – A striking, clumping groundcover that offers springtime flowers and works well in shaded areas.
Final Thoughts
Groundcovers are an essential, versatile element in planting design that provide more than just filler between larger plants. They contribute to the ecological health, aesthetic balance, and long-term sustainability of a landscape. Whether you’re stabilizing a slope, creating a lush understory, or reducing maintenance needs, choosing the right groundcover can make all the difference.
If you’re designing a landscape, don’t overlook the power of these plants—embrace them as the hardworking foundation that ties your entire composition together.
~ Eric
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